Every holiday season, I intend to make the trek down to Lake Union to see the Christmas ships, and every year… I miss it. This will not happen in 2025! I vow to see the spectacle with my own eyes.
The Christmas Ship Festival is put on every year by Argosy Cruises. You can buy a spot (all ages) on the official Christmas Ship™ (The Spirit of Seattle™) to experience the holiday magic firsthand, with 21+ follow boat cruises available on specific dates. The ship hosts an onboard choir singing Christmas carols, and stops at pre-planned locations for neighbors and the community to watch from shore. The onshore events are organized by individual lakeside communities, and locales range from parks and beaches to yacht clubs all around Lake Washington, Lake Union, and the Puget Sound. Events can include public bonfires, tree lightings, and more choir performances.
The festival runs from Friday, November 28, through Tuesday, December 23. See the full festival schedule for details, but the opportunities to see the ships close to Wallingford are:
- Friday, December 12, 7:30–9:10 pm at Evanston Plaza in Fremont. *10th Annual Parade of Boats* Watch, cheer, and witness the decorated holiday fleet light up the night. Bring your crew and join the crowd for a festive boat parade like no other! Festivities start at 7:30 pm, with the boat parade arriving 8:20–9:10 pm.
- Tuesday, December 23, 5:35–5:55 pm at Ivar’s Salmon House. *Grand Finale Sailing*
- Tuesday, December 23, 9:10–9:30 pm at Gas Works Park. *Grand Finale Sailing* The public is invited to gather on shore to view the ships, listen to the on-board choir sing (broadcast via a speaker system), and enjoy a bonfire put on by Seattle Parks and Recreation.
Since the Gas Works event is the grand finale, I expect it will be pretty festive. I’m looking forward to the fun—as long as it doesn’t rain!
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